Why You Should Interview Me to Buy Your Next Home

First of all, you should interview three brokers or Realtors. Don’t make a distinction between brokers and Realtors. I have nothing against the Realtor label, but it’s a trade group label, not a skills or training thing. A Realtor wears a pin that says they belong to a trade group. To be clear, that trade group works very hard for their patrons (Realtors) lobbying in Washington, but there is no special training or education for Realtors.

Second, make sure your chosen agent is someone you can get along with, if you don’t like them, it will not be any fun if things get sticky during negotiations. I have seen a lot of ego in agents, and ego is not your friend when you are expecting your agent to negotiate a sticky point in a deal.

Third, make sure your chosen agent is someone that you can get a hold of; they should call you back in a timely manner. Do you communicate with them well; do they talk over you when you’re speaking? Do they answer your questions the way you like to be talked to?

This is all important stuff.

Here’s seven skills your chosen agent should be able to do for you, at a minimum.

Negotiate

I’m a skilled negotiator. I have over 25 years of experience negotiating deals on Wall Street, and I bring that same skill set to the real estate market. I can help you get the best possible price in your purchase, and more importantly, the best possible terms.

Understand markets

I know markets. I’ve spent years studying markets from bonds to stocks to derivatives to hard assets. I’m constantly monitoring the Front Range real estate market, so I know what’s happening and how it’s likely to affect your buying or selling decision. An agent needs to know the nuances of what’s happening in small areas and why. It takes research and savvy. You need someone educated in markets to craft a successful offer.

Understand at least the basics of mortgages

I have a deep understanding of interest rates, as I traded fixed income securities (mortgage backed securities) for many years. As an MLO (mortgage loan originator), I can help you get the best possible mortgage rate, or even a different product that fits your needs better than a traditional mortgage (30 year fixed rate). I can also help you understand how interest rates and your down payment are likely to affect your monthly mortgage payment. Interest rate buydowns, ARMs, balloons, down payment assistance, first timer grants; these are all topics that are important to your purchase, and I can point you in the right direction on these.

Understanding the first-time homebuyer process

I love working with first time homebuyers. I know the challenges that first time homebuyers face, and I’m here to explain the process all along the way. It is a different process for the first timer because the market is always changing, and what we’ve been taught about home buying and negotiation often isn’t true. There are a few biases that loved ones will present to first timers that sometimes have to be overcome. I have empathy towards that.

5. Understanding the metrics that real estate investors use

I have spent a lifetime understanding finance, real estate, mortgages, and can explain the important metrics of that learning to someone no matter where on the learning curve they are. I understand how important return on equity, cashflow, appreciation, and depreciation all work together to build wealth. I have empathy to helping you develop your plan, and to working toward that plan. I want to help you succeed in your goals.

Understanding the tenor and tone of a deal

Every deal is different; they all have a tone that presents itself from the execution of a contract. Understanding what the seller or seller’s agent is motivated by and whether that is possible is a huge part of putting a deal together. I find so many agents only have their own clients’ motivations in mind. It’s imperative to work with the other side to find out if a deal is possible, and then to motivate them to want to work with you. This is a skill, and it’s not just about writing a number ($$$) on paper. A well-crafted offer will motivate a seller to want to work with you.

Understanding that a successful deal has many personalities in it A typical deal may have 12 different professionals working in it during the contract period. I’ll list a few here, but there may be more.

-seller’s agent, buyer’s agent

-seller, buyer

-home inspector, appraiser

-TC (transaction coordinator) for buyer, for seller,

-loan officer, title company officials

-attorney, general contractor, sub-contractors

It’s the ability of a seasoned buyer’s agent to massage all these personalities to work towards the outcome of a successful deal. I have seen numerous deals fail to come together because the ego of one or the other agent was not able to manage the expectations of all the parties involved. Once again, this is a skill not to be taken lightly.

Here are some additional reasons why you should work with me:

I am responsive and available. I am always available to help you make good decisions and then to support those decisions.
I am honest and trustworthy. I can’t believe I have to say this; but my motivation is your goals, not mine. That might not always be the case out there.
I am a team player. I do not get juice by getting over on anyone else in the transaction. As I alluded to above, I take pride in working hard to manage the expectations of all involved in the transaction. I will work with your other professionals, such as your lender and mortgage broker, to make sure your home buying process is successful.

I am confident that I can help you achieve your real estate goals. Contact me today to learn more about how I can help you.

I hope this has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.